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2,202 Articles
7,949 Members
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151,145 Followers

The world's best gem articles, published weekly.

Most Recent Articles

sapphirine, silver, and enamel brooch
Sapphirine Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Sapphirines are durable but very rare gemstones. Although named after their typically sapphire-blue color, these gems can occur in different hues and display pleochroism, too.

Light House cut - amethyst
Light House: Online Faceting Designs and Diagrams

A “Money Cut” is a gem design that’s fast and easy with great performance. That’s what Jeff Graham’s Light House cut is all about. This design works very well for faceters of all skill levels, especially novices.

Oval Ruby - gem identification
An Introduction to Gem Identification

Gem identification is part detective work, part art. Learn how gemologists can distinguish gem species and determine whether a stone is natural or synthetic.

3.60 cts axinite, oval cut - Pakistan
Axinite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

When faceted, the members of the axinite mineral group are usually intensely trichroic, with considerable brilliance and rich brown and purple colors dominating. Although very rare, these gems could make magnificent jewelry stones.

CustomMade pear-cut diamond - buying diamonds online
Buying Diamonds Online? Match Your Shopper Personality Type to an Online Store

How can you find the right website when you’re buying diamonds online? Since everyone shops a little differently, see which of these diamond websites matches your shopper personality type.

Tic Tac - earring gemstone
Tic Tac: Online Faceting Designs and Diagrams

Jeff Graham’s Tic Tac gem design is ideal for earrings. It shows an interesting “X” pattern on the crown. Learn more about this fast cut with a lot of sparkle.

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"Becoming a Pro Member of IGS just made good sense for my business. The gemology resources are fantastic, and my profile lets potential customers know I am serious about colored gemstones. And frankly, if I get any exposure to potential customers it's a no-brainer."
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Jeweler, IGS Pro Member

The world's best online resource for gemstone appraisal

Over 15 years, we have assembled detailed pricing and value information for appraising over 70 different gemstones. The values in our guide come from a variety of sources including primary and secondary gemstone dealers, jewelers, miners, and wholesale suppliers of commonly traded gemstones.

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